Digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) are neither a curse nor a blessing in the construction industry, but a necessity. The 110 industry experts who took part in this year's seminar organised by the Institute of Building Technology and Energy at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and

The energy supply of the future requires more than just the expansion of renewable energies. Smart technologies must ensure that energy is used efficiently and integrated into the power grid. Empa researchers have developed an algorithm that optimises energy management in buildings, reduces CO2

Empa has inaugurated a new high-tech laboratory that researches quantum effects in carbon nanostructures. Using state-of-the-art scanning tunnelling microscopy and microwave technology, the laboratory is intended to pave the way for sustainable quantum technologies, from sensors to quantum

K51 places data centres in locations where the waste heat can be used sensibly for heating. In collaboration with BKW, the Thurgau-based start-up is optimising the electricity costs for computing power. The data centres are also used in the balancing energy

The Federal Council has adopted the "Digital Switzerland 2025" strategy, thereby realigning the guidelines for the digital transformation. A powerful and forward-looking look at the priorities for sustainable and responsible

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) are working with SBB to find out how the maintenance and construction of bridges can be optimised using artificial intelligence. The aim of the project is to extend the service life of the structures and save

A new AI technology from EPFL provides deeper insights into neuronal dynamics. Geometric deep learning enables scientists to decode universal patterns of brain activity for the first time. This has far-reaching applications in neuroscience, robotics and other

How can artificial intelligence make cultural events more accessible? What solutions help to mitigate extreme heat in the city? And how can libraries be used outside of regular opening hours? These and other questions are the focus of six innovative projects that Winterthur 2025 is funding with the

Empa spin-off Ionic Wind Technologies is revolutionising the cooling of high-performance electronics with its patented airflow amplifier for ionic wind. The technology utilises electrostatic fields to set air in motion without mechanical components. With this method, data centres could reduce their

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed an interactive online tool to help companies select the optimum high-temperature heat pump for their industrial processes. The platform offers a technology map that links heat pump systems with the specific requirements of

Properti has successfully completed a series A financing round. The property company intends to use the fresh capital of CHF 1.85 million to further expand its digital platform and thus its market

Many reinforced concrete structures in Switzerland date from the 1960s to 1980s and are increasingly threatened by corrosion. The ETH start-up Talpa has developed an innovative method to identify damage in hard-to-reach areas at an early stage - without having to break open the concrete. The new

Perovskite solar cells could revolutionise photovoltaics. Their high efficiency and flexible application possibilities make them very promising. However, production hurdles are slowing market maturity. A new study by KIT shows how artificial intelligence optimises processes through machine learning

SMG Real Estate uses innovative technologies to simplify the rental process and the creation of adverts. AI-supported solutions and a digital messenger make letting and communication more efficient. A milestone for the

Uffer wants to digitalise its modular timber construction system QUADRIN. The canton of Graubünden is supporting the corresponding SmartFlow System project with up to around CHF

A research team from the universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart has developed an innovative façade system that adapts automatically to changes in the weather without the need for energy. Inspired by pine cones, the "Solar Gate" offers a resource-saving solution for sustainable building

SmartHelio's Autopilot analysis software, which was launched at the beginning of 2024, has optimised the performance of more than 200 solar systems over the course of the year. It is designed to extend their service life by eight years, increase production by 10 per cent and predict faults and

A research team at Flinders University has developed a new type of storage technology based on ternary code. Using a special polymer and innovative technology, the storage density is quadrupled, while energy consumption and environmental impact are significantly

Myriam Reinle will become the new CEO of Houzy, bringing over 20 years of experience in building digital marketplaces and tech start-ups. Her appointment marks a strategic move to lead the merged proptech company into the next phase of growth. Her predecessor Florian Rüegg takes on the role of

The Raven drone from the EPFL Laboratory for Intelligent Systems combines the movement mechanisms of birds with state-of-the-art technology. It can run, hop and jump into flight - ideal for inaccessible terrain and a wide range of

Cabling specialist R&M has developed a hybrid solution that combines LAN and fiber optics for data and power transmission. This enables the expansion of WiFi 7 and 5G in buildings. The solution eliminates the need for separate power sources and increases the efficiency of the network

With the MyGriesser OnSite app, sun shading manufacturer Griesser has developed a digital solution that optimizes the ordering process. Customers are guided step by step through the measuring process and can select suitable products directly. The innovative platform saves time and provides a better

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a photonic processor that performs AI calculations using light instead of electrons. The system enables ultra-fast data processing with minimal energy consumption and could revolutionise computer technology in the long

The "Think Earth - Regenerative Building" flagship project, which is funded by Innosuisse, is researching innovative construction methods using wood and clay. The aim is to develop efficient, scalable methods for climate-neutral construction and to strengthen the circular

Hardwood is increasingly being cultivated in Swiss forests and its sustainable utilisation requires new approaches. Empa researchers have developed a ground-breaking solution: Wood that glows green with the help of a fungus and, as a biohybrid, enables new applications in design and

The new DroneHub at Empa and Eawag's NEST enables innovative drone and robotics technologies to be tested. Researchers can test repairs using drones, environmental interactions and building protection using robotics under real

The opening of the "DroneHub" in Empa's NEST research building marks the start of a new era for autonomous robotics. Next-generation drones and robots are being developed here to repair damage to buildings, monitor ecosystems and advance sustainable

The Swiss PropTech company Optiml has won the PropTech Innovation Challenge 2024. The ETH spin-off impressed the jury with an AI-supported solution for the decarbonisation of buildings. The solution offers scalable, efficient strategies for meeting net-zero targets and sets new standards in

The SMG Swiss Marketplace Group launches its new sustainability manifesto. The document sets out four pillars that are intended to clarify the company's future sustainability strategy in all business

The SIA 451 standard, an indispensable tool for the construction and planning industry, has undergone a comprehensive revision. With the new title "Provision and utilisation of data in the construction process", it has been adapted to modern requirements and remains a central basis for data